Lawmakers Practice CPR at Capitol

Lawmakers and state employees are getting trained in CPR and defibrillator use today — almost a year after Rep. Edmund Kuempel, R-Seguin, suffered a heart attack and collapsed in a Capitol elevator. He was saved by his colleague, Rep. John Zerwas, R-Richmond, an anesthesiologist who resuscitated him with CPR.

In three separate sessions today, staffers will practice on an inflatable mannequin and learn how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator. Helping with the demonstrations? Dr. Kyle Janek, a former state senator and anesthesiologist; First Lady Anita Perry, a former nurse; Zerwas; and Kuempel, of course. The events are being sponsored by AT&T, the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Heart Association and the Seton Family of Hospitals.

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